MONROE - Thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, Green County UW Extension will be leading "Stirring the Pot: Dialogue, Discussion and Dinner in the Dairyland."
The first of the three-part series of free community picnics will celebrate spring gardening and the opening of the farmers' market season. The picnic starts at 5:30 p.m. today on the lawn of the Monroe Arts Center.
The first picnic features a discussion focused on the theme "Roots and Seeds of Spring," prompting discussion around how our food experiences and memories shape our attitudes today.
Today's picnic will begin with demonstrations by Blackhawk Technical College's Chef Mark Olson. Olson will be demonstrating goat cheese and oven-dried tomato strudel, showcasing local Green County raised and produced items.
Steph Culberson of The Goosechaser Farm in Blanchardville also will share her technique and tips for making spatzli, a traditional Swiss egg noodle dish.
Shakespeare on the Edge will organize a kids' activity area and Moo Grass, a local bluegrass band, will entertain with lively tunes.
"This event showcases our community's strong pride in our long-standing culinary and agricultural heritage, with an eye toward how we can green and sustain things so that my kids can experience an even better version of what we have today," said Brenda Carus, a volunteer organizing the events and a Main Street committee member.
No reservation is needed for the picnic. Bring your own picnic and blanket or lawn chairs and help reduce waste at this event by bringing reusable dishware. For those with disabilities who need table seating or with any questions, or if you would like to volunteer and help with these events, call Cara Carper, UW-Extension, 328-9441, or e-mail, cara.carper@ces.uwex.edu.
The event will be held inside the Monroe Arts Center in case of rain.
The first of the three-part series of free community picnics will celebrate spring gardening and the opening of the farmers' market season. The picnic starts at 5:30 p.m. today on the lawn of the Monroe Arts Center.
The first picnic features a discussion focused on the theme "Roots and Seeds of Spring," prompting discussion around how our food experiences and memories shape our attitudes today.
Today's picnic will begin with demonstrations by Blackhawk Technical College's Chef Mark Olson. Olson will be demonstrating goat cheese and oven-dried tomato strudel, showcasing local Green County raised and produced items.
Steph Culberson of The Goosechaser Farm in Blanchardville also will share her technique and tips for making spatzli, a traditional Swiss egg noodle dish.
Shakespeare on the Edge will organize a kids' activity area and Moo Grass, a local bluegrass band, will entertain with lively tunes.
"This event showcases our community's strong pride in our long-standing culinary and agricultural heritage, with an eye toward how we can green and sustain things so that my kids can experience an even better version of what we have today," said Brenda Carus, a volunteer organizing the events and a Main Street committee member.
No reservation is needed for the picnic. Bring your own picnic and blanket or lawn chairs and help reduce waste at this event by bringing reusable dishware. For those with disabilities who need table seating or with any questions, or if you would like to volunteer and help with these events, call Cara Carper, UW-Extension, 328-9441, or e-mail, cara.carper@ces.uwex.edu.
The event will be held inside the Monroe Arts Center in case of rain.